Daddona Says Mayors Are Hopeful About Cities

Four years ago, major party presidential candidates ignored the U.S. Conference of Mayors' winter meeting here.

This year, only the president skipped what amounts to an annual brainstorming session of the elected officials most likely to feel the brunt of America's domestic policies.

Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, the apparent front-runner among Democrats, came, spoke and stayed for cocktails at an informal reception.

The contrast gives mayors like Allentown's Joseph Daddona something to cheer about. And not just because Daddona's a Democrat.

"There's a lot more optimism than there was even a year ago at this time," Daddona said yesterday. "The feeling is the cities are not going to be ignored this time around."

Daddona, who is active in the National League of Cities, visits Washington periodically. Mayors Ken Smith of Bethlehem and Thomas F. Goldsmith of Easton did not attend.

The three-day conference is at the Capitol Hilton, a few blocks from the White House. The days are filled with power breakfasts, committee meetings and speeches.

The mayors also are being wooed by a significant chunk of the Bush cabinet and by heavy hitters from Capitol Hill. Will the recession-driven focus on basic economic issues bring relief for financially strapped cities?

"I see a ray of hope that we don't have to continue to balance our budgets by raising taxes or cutting services," Daddona said.

Democratic presidential candidates pledged "urban relief" if elected, Daddona said. He said he expects the focus on domestic issues to force the Republican Party's hand as well.

"Four years ago they didn't even come here and talk to us," Daddona said. "Now they're not only here, they're listening."